kom hier
/kɔm ɦir/word by word
The English phrase "come here" is translated into Afrikaans as kom hier.
kom hier is used as a request or command for someone to move to the speaker's current location.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb kom (come) and the adverb hier (here).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The command can be softened into a polite request by adding asseblief (please), resulting in kom asseblief hier.
How does it change in a sentence?
While kom hier is common in spoken language, the grammatically precise way to indicate movement toward the speaker's location is kom hierheen.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɔm ɦir/
Did you know?
- In Afrikaans, the word kom can also be used to describe a bowl or a basin, which is a completely different meaning from the action of moving toward someone.
- While kom hier is a direct command, adding the word net as in kom net hier doesn't mean 'only' but acts as a softener to make the request less aggressive.
- In many parts of South Africa, a person might use the word hier to mean 'now' or 'immediately' in a command, effectively turning 'come here' into 'come now'.
Examples in context
- Kom hier!Come here!This example shows how to use the phrase kom hier as an exclamation.Tatoeba #3514834 by rince, translation #5295840 by KatKoba
- Ek het hulp nodig, kan jy asseblief hier kom?I need help, can you please come here?
- Hey vriend, kom nou hier!Hey friend, come here now!
- Asseblief, kom hier na my toe.Please, come here to me.
Example conversation
Andries is looking for Marelize in a garden.
- MarelizeAndries, kom hier vinnig!Andries, come here quickly!
- AndriesWat is fout, Marelize?What is wrong, Marelize?
- MarelizeDaar is 'n groot spinnekop.There is a big spider.
- AndriesEk kom nou.I am coming now.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (kom, hier) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
